Manchester United vs Manchester City: Vincent Kompany snubbed the Red Devils as a 17-year-old

Manchester United wanted Vincent Kompany as a 17-year-old from Anderlecht, the Manchester City captain revealed ahead of the crucial Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

The Belgian is set to take his team out to what can possibly be the most important game in his tenure at the club, with the result likely to determine either club's position in the top four. Kompany has been a valuable servant for City over the years and has recently signed a long-term contract with the reigning Champions. However, he is suffering from a hamstring injury which can curtail his involvement in the match.

Kompany revealed that his mom refused to let him leave the country and wanted him to concentrate on studies than on football at such an early age. However, he has no regrets over what has transpired and insists that he is honoured to have been part of the club over the past few years where he has won two League titles, an FA Cup and a Capital One Cup.

"United asked about me, but I had other priorities at the time. I was studying for my A-levels and my mother made me finish my education before I could concentrate on football," Kompany said.

"But I've got to say that everything has played out perfectly for me in my career. It's a massive honour to be captain of this club and I can tell you that I feel really good. I have put my sweat and blood into Manchester City. I'm passionate about the club and I want success as much as the owners," he added.

Kompany talked about how the tide has changed in their favour in the Manchester derby since the time he joined. The Cityzens are on a four game winning streak over the Red Devils, a series of results which was unthinkable before the big money takeover.

"When I started playing for City, these games were 90-10 in United's favour. We knew every time we went to Old Trafford that history wasn't good for us there.

"It's different now. This game is about two big clubs facing each other. It's almost 50-50 – and we all know what this game means," he continued.